Communities face shocks and stresses: acute and chronic threats posed by natural and human-caused hazards, climate change, the degradation of natural resources and population growth. The AIA supports and empowers members to create sustainable, resilient and adaptable communities through the power of design.

Sleeves Loose Long Pullover Casual Hoodie Colorful Drawstring Through the Resilience and Adaptation Initiative, members have a new awareness of emerging issues and are provided with resources and education to address shocks and stresses and advocate for policies to support new practices; therefore providing greater value to clients and communities.

AIA builds upon the disaster preparedness and boots-on-the-ground disaster response of the AIA Disaster Assistance Program and AIA Communities by Design design assistance program. The resilience and adaptation program promotes a multi-disciplinary, systems-based design approach to addressing the social, economic and environmental hurdles to achieving sustainable, resilient and adaptable communities.

Program implementation methods include:

providing educational resources, research and training to advance understanding of resilience

developing technical guidance for building performance best practices, standards and codes that enhance resilience

advocating for the role of the architect and policies that enhance the resiliency and adaptability of communities and the built environment partnering with federal agencies and leading organizations worldwide, including the Resilience Building Coalition, the Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities initiative and the Architects Foundation’s National Resilience Initiative

A guide to understanding resilience

Reframing Resilience

Explore case studies in resilience, review strategies and opportunities for education, policy, and advocacy, and access member resources for engaging in a resilience-focused practice.

Join the Resilience Network

The Resilience Network is a forum for knowledge sharing and networking on topics related to hazard mitigation, climate adaptation, and community resilience with opportunities for project participation. Ready to engage? Members start by completing a profile to share your specific interests and expertise.